Empire Action assistance programs

This utility company has several ways for their Missouri customers to get assistance with paying their electric and gas bills. They include Empire's Action to Support the Elderly (EASE), Temporary Electric Energy Assistance Fund, Experimental Low-Income Program, and Project Help. This services are in addition to the federal government resources like LIHEAP and weatherization. More information on each plan is below.

Both senior citizens as well as the disabled can receive assistance from the Empire's Action to Support the Elderly (EASE) program. This was a service that was created to offer utility deposit waivers and reductions or waiving of late fees as well. This particular service has been proving to be very helpful in reducing the burdens that are placed on senior citizens in the service area. Assistance is focused on the elderly (which means people age 60 and older) and handicapped customers in the service territory. For customers who qualify for aid from EASE, due dates of utility bills may be adjusted, late penalties are waived, deposits on accounts are not billed, and a quick third party notification is available when an account becomes delinquent.

Empires Action Project Help is funded by donations, and it is all about neighbors helping neighbors. The Project Help is an emergency utility bill assistance program created to meet emergency energy-related expenses of the low income, elderly, disabled, or residents facing an unexpected crisis (such as a medical emergency) in Empire's electric service area.

The Project Help program is a joint effort of the Economic Security Corporation as well as the Empire District Electric Company. It is totally funded through voluntary donations, from both customers, local businesses and matching funds. Funds and grants may be used to pay gas, electric, and propane bills for either heating and cooling or to help winterize homes. This particular assistance program is administered by the Red Cross in Missouri who screens applicants and provides relief where the need is greatest.

Experimental Low-Income Program (E.L.I.P) is administered by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency. This program can offer emergency assistance for energy-related expenses for customers who qualify for help with bills.

People who were impacted by the tornados in Missouri may be able to get assistance from the Temporary Electric Energy Assistance Fund. The applicant must have insufficient income to pay electric bills due to the storm, be able to qualify for LIHEAP, and meet other qualifications.

Call Empire Action at 417-624-0300 or 1-800-206-2300 for more information on assistance programs for paying utility, gas, and electric bill.